The Mystery of Passover: Which Day-Truth or Tradition-Part 5

“It is imperative that those wishing to honour Messiah in keeping the True Passover Feast… should re-examine each bit of evidence, in order to remove any foundations based on Tradition.”

In previous segments, we have seen what Messiah told us about Passover. We have also mentioned certain issues that tend to confuse Passover with the Feast of Unleavened, such as the popular tradition in Yahushua’s day, of calling the Feast of Unleavened by the name of Passover (Luke 22:1).

In this segment, we will see some details of Passover revealed in Torah, as we compare certain features of Passover, to those of the Feast of Unleavened.

By observing the many differences between these two Feasts, we see a vivid contrast coming into view. From this contrast we can gain a new perspective on how Torah reveals — and confirms — the Biblical time of Passover.

By observing the differences between these two Feasts, we can more easily see the separate and unique Torah requirements for each Feast, as well as the prophetic meaning and purpose of each.

It is only when we see these differences in the Scriptures, that we are better able to verify, and confirm, the words and examples of Yahushua Messiah and of the apostle Paul, as they instruct us into the proper timing of the Feasts.

Brothers and Sisters, it is important that we see, and understand, the differences between these two Feasts. Throughout the Scriptures, we are warned not to mix some things with others. Because of the prophetic nature of those things that are not to be mixed, we should be careful not to mix or blend aspects of one Feast, with aspects of another.

We must cease mixing elements of Passover with elements of the Feast of Unleavened. It is only when we see the differences in the Feast requirements in the Scriptures, that we are better able to keep them separate.

In this writing we will first note some basic Scripture truths of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened, in order to understand the great importance of the Believers’ participation in Yahuweh’s Feasts.

We will then look at the differences between certain aspects of these Feasts, with Scripture references. We will then see from these Feast comparisons that Passover and the Feast of Unleavened are two separate Feasts, and that each feast has separate and unique requirements as to timing, location, and certain other details unique to each Feast.

Finally, we will show some of the prophetic pictures of some detailed aspects of each Feast, as newly-discovered ‘puzzle-pieces’ helping us to see the ‘bigger picture’ of the prophetic meaning of the Feasts. We will hold commentary to a minimum, so as not to detract from the great importance of these differences.

What Are Yahuweh’s Feasts?

As Born-Again Believers, it is of utmost importance that we understand what Yahuweh’s Feasts are, and how they fit into Yahuweh’s plan for the Believers. When we first put our faith in Messiah and repent of our sins, He gives us forgiveness, and makes us to become ‘Born-Again’ as one of His covenant children.

At the moment Messiah becomes ‘birthed’ within us, we become participants of His Everlasting Covenant, and we are made to be a part of His people called ‘Israel.’ At that moment, we begin our training as sons—and we are now expected to learn, and to begin to live by, Father’s ‘House Rules.’ This includes our participation in His Feasts, also known as His Festivals.

Each of Yahuweh’s Feasts [moedim or ‘appointed times’] are days in which Yahuweh has set aside to meet with His people. Our participation in His Feasts, both in a prophetic sense and in a practical sense, can be seen as vital ‘stepping-stones’ for His people to take, as a journey into His presence. This example of a journey is one sense in which the prophetic Passover Sacrifice, Yahushua Messiah Himself, can be seen as the ‘door’ or entrance into that journey.

The great importance of our participation in Father’s Feast-days can not be overstated. The Festivals of Yahuweh reveal Yahuweh’s overall plan for the restoration of mankind, and they reveal His plan of redemption and salvation for His people. They also open-up the participants’ understanding of ‘things to come’ regarding the Body of Messiah. We might describe Passover as the ‘prophetic entrance’ to the journey His Covenant people are to take, as they travel along the stepping-stones of participation in His Feast-days.

Since Passover and the Feast of Unleavened are among the first ‘stepping-stones’ of our journey along the Feasts, we will first look to see where each fits into the overall Festival Schedule, seen in Leviticus 23:1-44. From this we will notice a few basic truths about these Feast days:

“Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.” (Leviticus 23:2)

In the above passage, we first notice that these are Yahuweh’s Feasts. Scripture does not present these as Jewish Feasts, for the term ‘Jewish’ denotes only the tribe of Judah, or Yahudah. Instead, these Feasts are for Yahuweh, and for all of His people, to whom He has given the nickname Israel! This includes all Born-Again Believers, who because of faith in Messiah Yahushua, have become grafted-in to the commonwealth [citizenship] of Israel.

Let’s recall what these Feasts are:

“These are the feasts [‘moed’] of the LORD, even holy convocations [‘miqra’ or assembly], which ye shall proclaim in their seasons. 5 In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD’S passover. 6 And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread.” (Leviticus 23:4-6)

In the above passage, we see that Passover and Unleavened are both moedim or ‘appointed times’ of Yahuweh, and they are both miqra or ‘convocations,’ commanded times of assembly for His people. These are times in which Yahuweh’s covenant people are to gather together to have fellowship with Him, and participate with Him in His Covenant blessings. These are times of keeping Father’s memorial Feasts, of hearing His words, and of rejoicing together.

From this Scripture passage as our introduction, we will now look at some similarities in the two Feasts, and then some differences between them. We will begin with the similarities:

Passover and Feast of Unleavened: Similarities

Passover: A Feast or ‘appointed time’ [moed] (Lev 23:4-6)

Unleavened: A Feast or ‘appointed time’ [moed] (Lev 23:4-6)

Passover: A ‘Sacrificial Feast’ [chag] (Exodus 12:14a; 34:25)

Unleavened: A ‘Sacrificial Feast’ [chag] (Exodus 34:18; 23:6)

Passover: A ‘Convocation or gathering’ [miqra or assembly] (Lev 23:4-6)

Unleavened: A ‘Convocation or gathering’ [miqra or assembly] (Lev 23:4-6)

With these similarities in mind, let us now look at some of the differences between them.

Passover and Feast of Unleavened: Differences

Different Days Specified

Passover: The 14th day of the first month (Ex 12:6; Lev 23:5).

Unleavened: The 15th through 21st day of the first month (Exodus 12:15-20; Lev 23:6-8).

Passover: A work day. NOT a high Sabbath day, but is a preparation day, which is the day before a Sabbath [either a weekly Sabbath or a High Sabbath], in which all work and Sabbath preparations are made (Lev 23:5).

Unleavened: NOT a work day. The first and 7th days are High Sabbath days; the 2nd through 6th are work days (Exodus 12:15-20; Lev 23:6-8).

Prophetic Picture
Here we will show that the Feast requirements stated in Torah reveal many prophetic pictures of New Covenant truths. Our understanding of these truths, as expounded by Yahushua and His apostles in the New Testament writings, is greatly enhanced by seeing these prophetic truths revealed in Torah.

Passover: The Feast of Passover speaks of Messiah, and the work of Messiah. The prophetic picture reveals that on Passover, it is the work of Messiah that is done—the work of providing the sacrifice. For the Believer, there is NO work to do, but to drink the [cup of] His Covenant with Him.

The prophetic picture of Passover reveals the beginning of redemption and new life for the Believer. By simply taking Yahushua’s blood upon ourselves, He redeems us, and gives us forgiveness of sins and cleansing. As Believers, we begin our journey by repentance, and walking in obedience to His Word; by feeding upon the unleavened bread of His Word, while rejecting the leaven of doctrines of men; by feeding upon the bread of His presence, and by taking [the cup of] His Covenant in our mouths. When we eat the bread of His flesh, we proclaim the His death until He come; when we drink the wine of His blood, we proclaim His life, and drink of His Covenant.

Unleavened: The Feast of Unleavened speaks of the Believer, and the work of the Believer. The 7-day duration of the Feast speaks of the lifetime of the Believer, in that it is the work of the Believer to live an unleavened life, a life of sincerity and truth. The first day of this Feast is a Sabbath Rest, picturing the Believer’s first obligation in his new life has already been completed, that of redemption by the Blood of Messiah our Passover. On this Sabbath day there is no work to be done on our part.

The 2nd through 6th days speak of the remaining days of our lifetime, in which we are to labour to enter into His Rest. We are to feed upon the bread that is without leaven, as we go about making our calling and election sure.

The seventh day of this Feast is also a Sabbath day. This day speaks of the completion of our course, a day in which our labouring to enter into His Rest is finished.

Let’s now look at the difference in sacrificial animals specified.

Different Sacrificial Animals Specified

Passover: Sacrificial Animals are to be taken from among the sheep or the goats only (Exodus 12:5).

Unleavened: Sacrificial Animals are to be taken from among the sheep or goats, but also from among the oxen and bullocks, from the flock or herd (Numbers 28:17-24; Num 15:3).

Prophetic Picture

Passover: These are all to be clean animals, but do NOT include working animals. This is a prophetic picture, in that the animal used is not a ‘working’ animal. This again tells us that the Passover sacrifice is of Messiah alone; and that there is NO work for the Believer to do.

Unleavened: These are also to be clean animals, but these DO include working animals. This speaks to us of the work to be done by the Believer, and of the sacrifices to be offered to Yahuweh.

The sacrifices offered by the Believer are the sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, of righteousness and joy. It is the work of the Believer, however, that can be seen pictured in the various animals used for the Feast of Unleavened.

The sacrificial animals to be offered for the Feast of Unleavened prefigure the work of the various ministries and offices of the Believers. They include the oxen that tread out the corn of Father’s Word, which is the work of preparing the necessary spiritual food.

They include also the bullocks that plow the ground and sow the precious seed of the Word, which is the work of scattering the living Words of Messiah into prepared and ready soil, and the work of bringing in the harvest, as the harvest ripens, and becomes ready for the Master.

This distinction in types of sacrificial animals will help us to further identify and discern which Feast is being referred to in various Scripture passages.

Let’s now look at the difference in timing required for certain activities in the two Feasts.

Different Timing Required: Killing, Cooking, and Eating

Timing for Killing:

Passover: To be killed on the 14th day of the first month, ‘at evening’ (Ex 12:6). The phrase, ‘at evening’ is the phrase beyn ha’arbayim, literally ‘in the midst of’ or between the evenings. This phrase beyn ha arbaiyim appears 11 times in Hebrew wording of the Scriptures [and in some English Literal versions], and may have several meanings depending on context. Five out of the 11 uses are related uniquely to Passover (Ex 12:6; Lev 23:5; Num 9:3, 5, 11); the other six uses are related to various non-Passover verses. This is a clue, telling us that this phrase is significant to Passover. Upon careful examination, we can find and study each of these phrases, and can arrive at the meaning of this phrase.

Many have speculated as to the meaning of this phrase, as its meaning appears to be a key that unlocks the true timing of Passover. Most today rely upon definitions given in various commentaries, Bibles, dictionaries, historical accounts, and upon religious traditions held by various groups. But what do the Scriptures tell us?

As we look in the Scriptures, we recall that any proposed definition we might find must be subjected to the test of Scripture. To be true, any idea or definition must not be in contradiction to any of the Scriptures. We also understand that Scripture alone is able to define and interpret Scripture. We need not rely on traditions of men that contradict Scripture.

If we disregard doctrines and traditions of men, and rely only on what the Scriptures say, here is what we see. First, we find from Bible examples alone, that the term ‘evening’ [ereb] refers to ‘sunset’ (Deut 16:6). We then see that the phrase ‘between the evenings’ is simply another way of saying ‘from evening to evening’ as used in (Lev 23:32), which teaches us plainly that this phrase means ‘from sunset-to-sunset,’ a period of approximately 24 hours.

Thus we see the requirement for killing the Passover lamb is on the 14th day, from one sunset to the next. This unique timing specified for killing the Passover lamb can be seen as both a restriction [only the 14th] and an allowance [a full 24-hour period].

This unique, 24-hour requirement not only specified that the lamb was to be killed at the start of the 14th day, as in Egypt—but it also made the one-time allowance for the killing of the Passover Lamb near the end of the 14th day, as in Jerusalem, when Messiah the Lamb of Yahuweh was Sacrificed.

This now becomes the only scenario possible without any Scripture contradiction, because it links the original Passover in Egypt with Messiah’s Passover Sacrifice on the tree.

Unleavened: To be killed each day, in preparation for the evening and morning sacrifices (Numbers 28:17-24; 1Kings 18:33-36).

This requires that animals killed in preparation for the evening burnt offering sacrifice for the first day of the Feast of Unleavened, are to be killed on the afternoon of the 14th, in preparation for the evening sacrifice, beginning on the 15th at sunset. This is the burnt offering sacrifice of the Feast of Unleavened, as we observe in the example of Elijah (1Kings 18:31-36).

We should note that the timing for killing and preparing the Feast of Unleavened sacrifices, overlaps and coincides with the end-of-day, one-time allowance for the sacrifice of Messiah as the Passover sacrifice— since we know that Yahushua was on the tree from the sixth to the ninth hour, and died sometime around the ninth hour (Mark 15:34-37; Luke 23:44-46). Perhaps many have thought that the Unleavened Sacrifices were Passover sacrifices, with the result that the true timing for Passover has been hidden, as a mystery.

As we look at further differences below, we will gain more understanding, which will enable us to further confirm what we have seen thus far.

Timing for Cooking

Passover: The Sacrifice is to be cooked in ‘that night’ prior to being eaten in ‘that night’ in the evening of the 14th day. This is the same night Yahuweh was to pass through, smiting all the first-born in the land of Egypt, all referring back to the night of the 14th (Exodus 12:6, 8, 12, 27).

We know that the cooking of the sacrifice must take place before it is eaten. The timing for eating this sacrifice will be seen below.

Unleavened: To be cooked ‘at even, at the going down of the sun,’ at the season <04150> [moed or ‘appointed time’] that thou camest forth out of Egypt (Deuteronomy 16:6).

We know that the cooking of the sacrifice must take place before it is eaten. The timing for cooking the burnt offering sacrifice is after sunset, at the start of the 15th, when the burnt offering is to be made. The timing for eating this sacrifice will be seen below.

Timing for Eating

Passover: The Sacrifice is to be eaten in ‘that night’ (v.8) referring to the time after sunset, the night or beginning part of the Biblical 14th day (v.6). This is the same night Yahuweh was to pass through on ‘this night’ (v.12) to smite all the first-born in the land of Egypt, and execute judgment against their gods (Exodus 12:6, 8, 12, 27).

The Scriptures state an important point—that not only the killing of the Passover sacrifice, but also the eating of it, is a part of the Passover memorial (Exodus 12:43, 44, 46).

Furthermore, we know from Scripture that the eating of the Passover sacrifice must occur on the 14th day, simply because one of the Torah restrictions is that everything pertaining to Passover—all the rites and ceremonies [statutes, judgments, and rules] thereof—must be done on the 14th day of the first month (Numbers 9:3).

We are also told that everything [every word and matter] of the Feasts of Yahuweh are to be performed, each in its own day (Leviticus 23:37).

From these two passages alone, we know clearly that any sacrifices eaten after sunset, after the start of the 15th, are NOT Passover sacrifices related to the 14th day Passover — but are sacrifices pertaining to the Feast of the 15th day, the Feast of Unleavened.

We also note that the timing restrictions to kill the Passover sacrifice is separate and distinct from the timing restrictions to eat the Passover sacrifice. As we saw above, the killing of the sacrifice must occur within the 14th day. We saw that the sacrifice must be killed at the start of the 14th, in order to eat the sacrifice on the night of the 14th. We also saw the one-time allowance for killing the Passover Sacrifice at the end of the 14th day. We saw that both scenarios for the killing are within the prescribed 14th day.

The eating of the sacrifice must also take place on the 14th, but this must be done only at night—restricting the eating to the start of the 14th day! This Torah restriction gives us some valuable, further insight into Messiah’s Last Passover Supper.

Unleavened: The Feast of Unleavened begins on the fifteenth day of the first month, at sunset marking the beginning part of the 15th. The burnt offering sacrifices required for the Feast of Unleavened are to be made in the first day of the Feast, which tells us that this is to occur only after sunset which marks the start of the fifteenth day. As we saw above, the killing and preparation of the animals for the burnt offering must be done in the hours before the burnt offering commences after sunset. Just as the burnt offering is made on the 15th, the eating of the burnt offering is likewise to be done on the 15th. (Lev 23:6; Numbers 28:17-24; Deut 16:6-7; 1Kings 18:33-36).

From the many differences between Passover and Unleavened, as we shall see below, the passage in Deut 16:5-7 refers to the day Yahuweh brought Israel out of Egypt, as confirmed in Numbers 33:3. This refers to the day after the Passover, which is the 15th day, the Feast of Unleavened. We also see that this passage is one of many that refer to the sacrificial animal as ‘the passover,’ such as we see in (2Chron 30:17).

We also note that since the burnt offering for the Feast of Unleavened is to be sacrificed at even, at the going down of the sun, at the start of the 15th day, the eating also must take place after sunset, at the start of the 15th day (Deut 16:6-7).

After eating the burnt offering sacrifice for Unleavened, the people were told to return ‘in the morning’ to their tents. This further confirms that the eating of the burnt offering sacrifice occurred at night, but some time before the morning begins (Deut 16:7).

Let’s now look at the difference in required locations for certain activities of the two Feasts.

Different Locations Required: Killing, Cooking, and Eating

Location for Killing

Passover: To be killed at …each and every house, of all the congregation of Israel (Exodus 12:7b, 47). This is to take place in all the houses of Israel. This includes private homes and dwellings, as well as borrowed or rented spaces within these dwellings. This IS a ‘family’ affair in the home, and is NOT a ‘public’ affair.

The killing of the Passover sacrifice IS to be done by the common people, in each house. We should note here, that the location of Yahushua Messiah’s crucifixion was in the “house of His friends,” in Jerusalem, in the house of Judah (Zechariah 13:6).

Unleavened: NOT to be killed at …each and every house… but only “at the place where Yahuweh shall choose…” (Deuteronomy 16:5-7). This is NOT a ‘family’ affair in the home, but IS a public affair, and is only to be done at the Tabernacle or Temple. The killing of the burnt offerings for the Feast of Unleavened is NOT to be done by the common people, but only by the Levites and priests, who are to kill and prepare the burnt offering sacrifices (2Chron 30:16).

Location for Cooking

Passover: To be cooked at …each and every house, of all the congregation of Israel (Exodus 12:7b, 47). The location of the cooking is related to the location of the eating, which we will see below.

Unleavened: NOT to be cooked at …each and every house… “not within any of thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee: But at the place which the LORD thy God shall choose…” (Deuteronomy 16:5-7).

The location where Yahuweh places His name is the Tabernacle and the Temple (Deut 12:5,11), telling us this is to be a public gathering, and is not a family gathering in individual homes, as in Passover.

Manner of Cooking:

Passover: The flesh of the Passover sacrifice is NOT to be boiled <01310> [cook, boil, seethe in water], but is only to be roasted <06748> with fire (Exodus 12:9).

Unleavened: The flesh for the Feast of Unleavened sacrifice IS to be boiled<01310> [cook, boil, seethe in water], and can also be roasted with fire (Deut 16:7).

This is another important difference. Note that the Passover sacrifice is NOT to be boiled<01310>, but only roasted <06748> with fire. But the portion of flesh of the sacrifice which is to be eaten, seen in (Deut 16:7), IS to be boiled<01310>. This difference tells us that the sacrifice seen in (Deut 16:7), is NOT the Passover sacrifice, but is for the Feast of Unleavened.

In this passage however, we conclude that this sacrifice is called the passover [‘sacrificial animal’], as seen in (Num 28:17-24), but refers to the sacrificial animal used for the Feast of Unleavened.

And so in these passages in (Deut 16:2-8), we see perhaps one of the earliest uses of the word ‘passover’ to refer to the sacrificial animal itself, which is to be killed for the Feast of Unleavened, just as we see in (2Chronicles 30:13-15). It is the many differences in the Feasts, including the location where the sacrifice is killed, and who is to kill the sacrifice, that help us to understand which Feast is being referred to.

Location for Eating

Passover: To be eaten at …each and every house, of all the congregation of Israel (Exodus 12:7b,47).

Unleavened: NOT to be eaten at …each and every house… but “…thou shalt roast <01310> [‘cook; roast; boil’] and eat it in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: (Deuteronomy 16:7a).

As we notice the contrast seen here, we are given a pearl of great value. In the Exodus 12 passages above, notice that for Passover, the sacrifice is to be killed and eaten in each of the houses in which all the congregation of Israel live.

In contrast, we see the 7-Day Feast of Unleavened (Deuteronomy 16:2-8). Here we see that these sacrifices are NOT to be killed, cooked or eaten at individual homes, as it is for Passover, but only in the place where Yahuweh shall choose to place His Name. Perhaps the most telling contrast between the two Feasts, can be seen in the different requirements of sprinkling of the Blood.

Different Sprinkling of Blood Required

Passover: The Blood of the Passover Sacrifice is to be put in a bason [the prophetic ‘cup’ of the Covenant] and then applied with hyssop [‘sprinkled’] onto the lintel and two side [door posts] of the door in each of the houses wherein they shall eat the sacrifice. This sprinkling was not limited to priests, but was to be done by those living in each household (Exodus 12:7, 22).

Unleavened: The sacrifice for the Feast of Unleavened is to be a burnt offering, made by fire (Lev 23:6-8). The blood of the burnt offering sacrifice was to be sprinkled round about the altar, but was to be done only by the priests (2Chron 30:16).

Prophetic Picture

Passover: The prophetic Passover Lamb is seen here, and the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant, and the sprinkling of the Blood onto the inward door-posts of the inner-man, as a sign or token of the Covenant.

We are told that the blood on the Israelites’ door-posts protected each house from the judgment that fell upon Egypt. In the same way, the Blood of Messiah, when placed on the door-posts of the Believer’s heart, by faith in His blood, will protect each dwelling-place from the final judgment and destruction to come.

Yahushua Messiah was our Passover Sacrifice, the Passover ‘Lamb which takes away the sin of the world’ (John 1:29; John 1:36). Because Messiah made this sacrifice of Himself on our behalf, we are now enabled to begin the Feast of Unleavened (1Cor 5:7-8), which speaks of a life to be lived in sincerity and truth. We are now to remain free of leaven, and are to continue our journey through our participation in the Feasts, the moedim of Yahuweh.

Unleavened: We see that the Feast of Unleavened burnt offering sacrifice occurs only after the separate and distinct Passover Sacrifice has been made. Only after we have applied the Blood of Messiah, our Passover Sacrifice, to the door-posts of our heart, can we avert judgment and death.

This first day of the Feast marks the beginning of a lifetime of living an unleavened life, a life lived in sincerity and Truth (1Co 5:7-8).

Whereas Passover was the sacrifice Messiah made [on our behalf], the sacrifice of the Feast of Unleavened is a prophetic picture of the daily ‘burnt-offering’ that speaks of a living sacrifice that we as Believers are to make (Romans 12:1-2).

Let’s now see who may participate in the two Feasts.

Different Participants Allowed — Who May Observe

Passover: Only Yahuweh’s Covenant People — Females, and males who are circumcised (Exodus 12:48).

Unleavened: Everyone — Females, and all males are to keep the Feast (Deut 16:16).

The contrast between these two Feasts can be seen in the prophetic picture.

Prophetic Picture

Passover: The prophetic picture tells us that only those who have become a part of Yahuweh’s Everlasting Covenant may participate in the Passover. These are they that have been Born-Again by faith in Messiah, and, as Scripture tells us, are those who identify themselves as participants in the killing of the Passover Sacrifice. It is these who have made a covenant with Yahuweh, as revealed in (Psalms 50:5).

It is His covenant people who have sprinkled the Blood of the Sacrifice on the door-posts of their heart. It is these who may sit down to eat of the Passover meal.

Only His Covenant people may eat the Passover sacrifice of His flesh (the unleavened bread) and drink [the cup of] Blood of His Covenant (Matt 25:27-28; Mark 14:23-24; Luke 22:20; Hebrews 13:20).

Unleavened: We saw that only Yahuweh’s Covenant people may eat and drink of the Passover meal. All those who have shared the Passover meal may proceed to participate in the Feast of Unleavened, and in all the other Feasts.

The Feast of Unleavened speaks prophetically of a lifetime of sincerity and truth (1Cor 5:7-8)], which requires that one first keep the prophetic meaning of Passover [become Born-Again, by faith in the Blood-sacrifice of Yahushua Messiah].

Here we see a contrast. In order to keep the Feast of Unleavened, one must first observe the Feast of Passover. We might liken these restrictions to the entrance requirements for running in a race. If we desire to begin the race, we must first meet the entrance requirements, that allow us to enter the race.

Now we will notice the difference in memorials, and observe the different prophetic meanings of the two Feasts.

Different Memorials, Prophetic Meanings

Passover: This is to be a memorial of the day Yahuweh executed judgment against all the gods of Egypt (Exodus 12:12; Numbers 33:4); the day He smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, and delivered our houses (Exodus 12:12; Exodus 12:26-27).

Unleavened: This is a memorial of the day Yahuweh brought our armies out of the land of Egypt (Exodus 12:17), a memorial so that we may “remember the day when [we] camest forth out of the land of Egypt all the days of [our] life” (Deu 16:3). This memorial is to be “between [our] eyes, that the LORD’S Torah may be in [our] mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought [us] out of Egypt” (Exodus 13:9).

Prophetic Picture

Passover: While we were still in Egypt, Yahuweh executed judgment against Pharaoh, and all his legions, and against all the firstborn of the land. It was through the blood of the Lamb on the doorposts, that Yahuweh spared His own Firstborn, and redeemed them (Exodus 4:22; Exodus 6:6; 2Sam 7:23).

In the same way, while we were still in sin, Messiah became our Passover Lamb, when He shed His Blood for us, when He died for us [on our behalf] (Romans 5:8); and He has redeemed us from all iniquity (Luke 1:68; Titus 2:14)—even when we were still in sin.

Unleavened: Yahuweh has led forth those whom He has redeemed (Exodus 15:13). Just as He led Israel out of Egypt, to be baptised in the cloud and in the sea (1Cor 10:1-2), in the same way He leads His people out of sin and bondage, to be free of the bondage of sin once and for all (1Pet 3:21).

After Yahuweh led the Israelites to be ‘baptised’ as they crossed the Red Sea, Yahuweh then led His people through the wilderness, preparing them to enter the Promised Land. In the same way, Yahuweh is now leading His people in the same manner, into baptism, and then into the wilderness of our lifetime journey.

It is in the wilderness that ‘The Way’ is prepared in our hearts (Isaiah 40:3; Luke 3:4). And so as we learn to allow Messiah-in-us to walk in His Way, Yahuweh is preparing us to enter the Land of Promise, the promised lot of our inheritance — just as He promised to do, as stated in the ‘fine print’ of His Everlasting Covenant.

Conclusion

We have seen the differences between the Feast of Passover, and the Feast of Unleavened. From these differences we have seen a great contrast, which allows us to accurately identify the various activities that occurred on the day of Messiah’s crucifixion, the day of Passover.

We see by these contrasts, that the Torah requirements, through its restrictions and allowances, does indeed confirm that Messiah’s last meal was the Passover meal. Again we confirm our earlier finding, that Yahushua did NOT break the Torah!

Yahushua did not lie, when He told His Disciples He would eat the Passover with them. Instead, He kept Torah by eating the Passover Feast at the beginning of the 14th. If Yahushua had disobeyed Torah in any way, He could not have been the sinless Passover Lamb.

Through studying these contrasts, we can now see another stark realisation. From many Scripture passages, we know that Yahushua’s death by crucifixion at the ninth hour (Mark 15:34) in Jerusalem was indeed the Passover sacrifice (John 1:29; John 1:36; 1Cor 5:7).

We have also seen above, that the Torah requirement for the timing of the Passover Sacrifice was from the start of the 14th day at sunset, to the end of the 14th day at sunset.

Since we know that Yahushua’s crucifixion was indeed the Passover sacrifice; and we saw that the one-time allowance for the timing of the Passover sacrifice extended all the way to sunset at the end of the 14th day—we now begin to realise that the timing of the Passover Sacrificeoverlapped [and coincided with] the timing for the killing and preparation of the Feast of Unleavened sacrifices.

As we ponder this one-time ‘overlap’ in timing, we can not help but make this realisation: the public killing of the lambs [on the very day and hour of Yahushua’s Passover crucifixion], as we read of in various historical accounts, was for the prescribed sacrifices of the Feast of Unleavened!

For centuries we have thought that this was the public slaughter of Passover lambs; and from this error, we have allowed Tradition to rob us of the True timing of Passover!

This error also contains within it a Prophetic picture. Today, Jewish Tradition continues to reject Yahushua Messiah as the true Passover Lamb. Others follow Yahushua in many ways, yet continue to ignore His words concerning keeping Passover with His Disciples, choosing instead to follow Tradition in the timing of Passover

As a result of ignoring Yahushua’s words regarding Passover, many today, Believers and non-Believers alike, continue to be blinded as to the timing of the True Passover. These do not observe the Passover, but continue to observe the Feast of Unleavened, which according to tradition, ‘…is called Passover.’

Both Messiah and the apostle Paul remind us of the proper timing for when we are to eat the bread and drink the Cup of the Covenant, as a memorial:

“And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:” (Luke 22:15)

“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:” (1Corinthians 11:23)

Notice above that Messiah and the apostle Paul both tell us when we are to eat the bread, and drink the cup of Passover. Messiah tells us it was “before He suffered,” and Paul tells us it was “the same night in which Messiah was betrayed.” Paul then tells us he received this timing from the Lord, and passed it on to His disciples, which includes us today. This is the Scriptural timing for eating the bread and drinking the Cup — at night after the start of the 14th.

It is thus imperative that those wishing to honour Messiah in keeping the True Passover Feast, in accordance with the Scriptural timing, should re-examine each bit of evidence, in order to remove any foundations based on Tradition.

From the many differences Torah reveals regarding these two Feasts, we must conclude that the true Passover meal was on the night of the 14th, at the beginning of the 14th day, when Messiah met with His disciples.

What Are the Ten Commandments? – Also called The Ten Words, these Scripture passages are shown in both Hebrew and English, enabling us to see for ourselves what these Commandments actually say. When we as New Covenant Believers understand whose words they are, we can better know how to respond to them.

Obeying Torah is Not About Salvation – Obedience to the Torah [Father’s House Rules for His family] is not about our redemption by Yahushua’s blood. Instead, it is Messiah’s New Testament instruction to all Born-again Believers in how to abide in Him, how to love Him, and how to walk as He walked.

Seven Biblical Guidelines for Studying the Bible: Using Scripture to Interpret the Scriptures – What is the source of our current understanding of the Bible? The pure Truths of Scripture are of highest importance — how we understand the Scriptures will affect our eternal condition! To avoid being deceived by man-made doctrines, we must not rely on Preachers, Teachers, Bible notes or commentaries. Instead we must study and understand the Bible for ourselves — not looking through the lenses of tradition or man-made Bible study methods — but relying only on what the Bible actually says about how to study and understand the Scriptures! Here are 7 Biblical Guidelines that show us the way!

Contending for The Faith – We are exhorted to contend, to fight to remain in The Faith that was originally given. Scripture shows what The Faith is, and shows why and how we must contend for The Faith. Overview of how the adversary attacks the foundation of The Faith, with examples of contending for The Faith.

Let No Man Steal Your Crown – Reveals there are men today trying to take away, and steal your Bridal veil, and your crown; things that allow your crown to be stolen; the Doctrine of Balaam, and how it will steal your crown.

Who is the Chaste Virgin? – The Bridegroom is coming for His Bride — one who is chaste, and without corruption. The Scriptures warn us of the many forms of corruption, and how to remove them, in order to remain chaste, and ready for the Bridegroom.

19 comments on “The Mystery of Passover: Which Day-Truth or Tradition-Part 5”

Thank you Perry, for your question. Regarding celebrating the feasts of Yahuweh alone, according to Matthew 18:20, when ‘2 or 3’ gather in the name of Yahushua, He is there with us in our midst. When we remember that Messiah is in us, and the Father is in Messiah (John 14:11), then we are indeed among ‘2 or 3.’ Yes Brother, if no other fellow believers are present, celebrate Passover and Unleavened alone. Father is pleased when we do what we are able to do. And by all means, continue as you are! If you like, you may email me at the address listed on the main site on the contact page.

Brother Bill, I have written to you before a couple of times . I really see much truth in your writings and am a very young beleiver and very new to The Lord. I have been told that I am “a Precious Jewel unto The Father.” Although I understand this very little. I have read all of the above commentary. It is Passover Night and I am about to eat the Passover. My question to you is this. I am all alone and there are no believers and within this vicinity that I know of; all of my worship to Yahweh and Yahushua is done alone as well. I have no fellowship with anyone at all. However I do feel that God is very much with me, protecting me and speaking to me in dreams and visions. I just wanted to know what the ramifications are of celebrating this feast alone. And am I allowed to. Am I allowed to worship the feast of unleavened bread alone? I have been pondering my predicament for quite some time and God tells me to keep going; to keep doing just what I am doing. What do you say?

Thank you Devorah, for your question. Yes, there is much to consider in determining Passover. And yes, there are some New Testament passages that make it more clear.

First, we must understand that Messiah is looking for those who follow Him. Nevertheless, there are many sincere Believers who find it difficult to understand and follow Messiah in the Passover. For many Believers, Messiah’s words and actions do not seem to line up with their ‘perception’ of what the Tanak (the Torah, Writings, and Prophets) are saying. Perhaps this is why the apostle Paul tells us, “You be followers of me, as I follow Messiah” (1Co 4:16, 11:1; Php 3:17).

But who was the apostle Paul? First, he knew the Torah, and speaks to those who know Torah (Romans 7:1). He was a also a prophet (Acts 13:1), and as a result, he was able to correlate Messiah’s words and actions with the all the words of the Scriptures. Let’s see what Paul tells us about the timing of eating the Passover meal.

First, Messiah tells us, and then demonstrates for us, that He would eat the Passover Memorial Meal with His disciples “before He is to suffer” (Luke 22:15). Those who follow Messiah will choose to eat the bread, and drink the cup, just as Messiah did. But some Believers find this timing confusing.

The apostle Paul then goes on to remind Believers that Messiah’s eating of the Passover meal occurred in “the same night in which He was betrayed” (1Corinthians 11:23-25). Although this timing is contrary to Rabbinic tradition, this is the timing that the apostle Paul received from Messiah, and then passed down to us as our example (1Corinthians 11:23a).

Today we are rapidly experiencing the promised ‘restitution’ of all things (Acts 3:21), the restoring of Biblical truths to their original purity in the lives of Believers, just prior to Messiah’s return. This is why we see a great division occurring today among Believers, between the many traditional viewpoints on the one hand, and the one true Way on the other.

Thank you for this article. I can now see from this post that there is so much to consider about Passover. I wish the issue was much simpler. There seems to be a lot of division today about when we are to eat the Passover meal. Is there something more concise, maybe some more New Testament verses that make it more clear?

In your ‘final’ comment you said, “Nevertheless, Yahushua still had to make preparations for the 15th Passover meal of His disciples.” This reveals that you continue to dis-believe Yahushua’s words and His example, that state explicitly that He was keeping the authentic Passover meal in the night of the 14th, as a completely separate event from the Feast of Unleavened Sacrifice meal the following night of the 15th.

Since you appear to esteem Rabbinic Tradition above Yahushua’s words, perhaps you would believe the following words recorded by the same Rabbinic Tradition. Notice what the Encyclopaedia Judaica has to say about the origin of today’s tradition, of celebrating ‘Passover’ together with the Feast of Unleavened, on the night of the 15th:

“The [modern] feast of Passover consists of two parts: The Passover ceremony and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Originally, both parts existed separately; but at the beginning of the exile they were combined. Passover was originally not a pilgrimage feast, but a domestic [home] ceremony consisting of the slaughtering and eating of the paschal animal.” (Encyclopaedia Judaica, Second Edition, Vol. 15, p. 680) [emphasis added].

In the above historical account, we see that the Passover meal as a separate event on the night of the 14th, was ‘lost’ when parts of it were combined with the Feast of Unleavened on the night of the 15th, at some point around the time of the exile.

Now I will ask you this one final question.

Notice what the apostle Paul tells us:

“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1Corinthians 11:23-25)

My question is, “Which night do you take the bread and the Cup?

Do you take it on the night Paul received from Messiah, and passed along to us — or on the next night?”

Paul’s reminder to us of Yahushua’s example ‘restores’ for us the proper timing for eating the bread, and drinking the Cup of the true Passover. This proper Biblical timing is a vital part of the promised ‘restoration of all things’ now underway among Yahushua’s disciples.

We must simply choose whether to hold to Yahushua’s (and Paul’s) explicit words and examples, and take part in this Restoration — or whether to continue to hold to Rabbinic Tradition, along with those who deny Messiah’s words.

These are our only choices. Selah! (pause, and consider!) Blessings and Shalom!

I would like to make a final comment because I think my understanding of Mark 14:14 and Luke 22:11 has been judged in error unfairly.

You wrote, Quote
Yahushua did not lie, when He told His Disciples He would eat the Passover with them. Instead, He kept Torah by eating the Passover Feast at the beginning of the 14th. UnQuote

The above statement is highly dependent on the word ‘SHALL’ in Mark 14:14 and Luke 22:11. The word SHALL is an interpretation by the KJV translators of Strong’s G5315. The same translators use the word MIGHT instead of SHALL in John 18:28 for the same Strong’s G5315. Your foundation is squishy and to call my understanding of Mark14:14 & Luke 22:11 in error based on the word SHALL, that could easily be the word MIGHT, is unfair.

If SHALL of those verses is replaced with the word MIGHT then the Passover meal on the 15th becomes a real possibility. Yahushua did plead with his Father in Mat 26:39 & 42 that would have allowed that possibility. The desire to please His Father was stronger. Halleluyah! Nevertheless, Yahushua still had to make preparations for the 15th Passover meal of His disciples.

I believe Yahushua’s desire in Luke 22:15 was the New Covenant meal of His body & blood [John 6:51-60, 1Cor 5:7] that He enjoyed with His disciples.

Stretching the Passover sacrifice all the way from the beginning of the 14th until the end of the 14th [one time only – of course] certainly allows one to ‘spin’ the sacrifices of the 14th from Passover sacrifices into ‘evening & morning’ Unleavened sacrifices for Deu 16:1-7 yet, the term ‘Passover’ sacrifice is repeatedly assigned in Deu 16:2, 5 & 6. The sacrifices of Num 28:4 are ‘morning & evening’, i.e., evening FOLLOWS morning or am I deluded.

Thank you WillseeYah, for your further comments, and your honesty, and your zeal. You are zealous, to be sure. That is commendable. But in your zeal, you are being zealous to teach what seems right in your own eyes. From what you have written, here is what I see:

“Any incorrect ideas we may have of the Passover, or of any other Covenant issues, are as a cobweb made up of of many interconnected strands, where each idea, each strand is connected to another — thus the entire arrangement is corrupted by the few strands that are not supported by Scripture. The whole contradicts Scripture instead, when it is based partly on man-made doctrines. The result is confusion.”

Let us see what Scripture tells us, as to why this occurs:

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes… (Proverbs 21:2a)

Without Messiah to guide us in every way, we all have the tendency to do what is right in our own eyes. But we are told in detail why this occurs, and we are also given the remedy:

In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. (Judges 21:25)

And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest. 6 In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes. (Judges 17:5-6)

When there is no king in Israel — when Messiah is not the rightful Master living within us, because we refuse to believe His words about a particular matter — we tend to ‘believe’ and ‘do’ what is right in our own eyes, regarding that matter. This is the idolatry of leaning on the false gods of ‘our own understanding,’ and it results in spiritual blindness, in that one matter.

This blindness can occur even in Messiah’s own disciples — He holds their eyes closed temporarily, and they do not ‘know’ Him (Luke 24:16).

We will not be allowed to ‘see’ or understand a matter, until we begin to be ‘blindly’ obedient to His words in that matter, that is, until we learn the Biblical principle of “first obey, then understand.” This is the principle of Biblical faith, and can be seen in the following passages:

Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.(Deuteronomy 4:6)

Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. (Hosea 6:3)

I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. (Psalms 119:100)

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: 2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3:1-4)

As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth. (Daniel 9:13)

If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. (John 7:17)

Only after we begin to ‘blindly’ obey, Father will then open our eyes. He then begins a process of revealing the correct understanding of His word through dreams, visions and revelations:

And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. (Numbers 12:6)

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:16)

Willseeyah, You asked the question, “Do you attribute those that don’t see CLEARLY to have been blinded or denied a revelation?”

You have perceived well. The above two Scripture passages answer this question. Some prophets speak words received from Yahuweh through revelations, visions and dreams; others speak words from the vision of their own heart, which are not from Yahuweh. Jeremiah shows us clearly that there are two separate origins of what is spoken and taught, concerning the words of Yahuweh.

Father makes the understanding of His Word very clear, through revelations, visions and dreams. All His words are true, and they all fit together, and are plain to understand. It is not complicated.

But not everyone has the same gifts and ministries. Some see the truths of Scripture, and some do not. What is CLEAR to those who have received revelations, visions and dreams from Yahuweh, appears as mere ‘controversy’ to those who have not received these revelations and visions from Yahuweh.

The problem occurs when everyone thinks they can teach every matter, even though they do not realise they might be teaching a particular matter from the basis of the ‘visions of their own heart’ and not out of the mouth of Yahuweh, as Jeremiah warns us. The result is that much of what is taught among Messianics today is man-made doctrine, whose origin is from the tradition of the Midrash, and is not from the mouth of Yahuweh.

The controversy results in confusion — and the reason for the confusion is the envying and strife, that comes as a result of the prophets exposing the idolatry of self (Acts 19:26-29; 1Co 14:32-33; James 3:15-18). The mixing of two streams — the mixing of truth, along with man-made doctrines originating from ‘self’ — is the very essence of Babylon, which means “confusion by mixing.”

The fruit of not seeing nor understanding a matter, is that heresies (‘factions’) appear, showing themselves as ‘controversies.’ The apostle Sha’ul/Paul tells us these heresies are simply works of the flesh (Gal 5:19-20). They occur when a disciple holds to a man-made idea, but rejects the words of Messiah.

I have written previously to show which words of Messiah you have not believed. I have also disclosed some of the Scriptural points of Passover, in “Passover: Seven Days or One Day?” which perhaps you have not read, or you would not be focused on the phrase beyn ha arbaiyim.

Until we choose to humble ourselves, to believe Him (by acting upon His words) concerning Passover, He will not allow us to see, nor understand the Passover. Nor will He allow us to understand the meaning of the term beyn ha arbaiyim, in contrast to the meaning of the words ‘ereb’ and ‘arab’.

Please do not feel singled out, or condemned. Father withholds understanding from all of us in this way! This is how we learn to ‘delight’ to observe [Heb. natsar ‘watch’ = “guard; watch; keep; observe”] Father’s ways (Prov 23:26)!

Paul further tells us that it is important that these heresies (‘factions’) must exist, so as to make manifest (openly recognise, make known) the separation between those who are approved of Elohim, and those who are not approved (1Co 11:19; 2Pet 2:1).

Gideon further illustrates this separation for us. As soldiers, we are to drink the water as we are inclined. Some will choose to lap the water with their tongue, as a dog laps, but others will choose to bow down upon their knees to drink. How each of us chooses to drink the water of the Word, will determine which ‘faction’ of Yah’s army we are in (Judges 7:5-6).

And because at any given moment there are some who can see, and some who can not see, Yahushua has spoken the following words:

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. (Matthew 15:14)

The importance of choosing to heed Messiah’s words is made all the more clear, when we understand that 2Thess 2:11 and its companion passage speak of Believers today, as follows:

“Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. I will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear [shama: “hear and obey”]: but they did evil before Mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.” (Isaiah 66:4)

Selah. Let us pause, and think about it.
Blessings and Shalom, Brother Bill

I disagree with your statement, Quote… Clearly, Torah tells us that the Passover is in [“within the bounds of”] the 14th day, and that all of the statutes, ordinances, decrees, and judgments of Passover must be completed “within the bounds of” the 14th day… UnQuote.

First, if this issue was so CLEAR why is there controversy? Or do you attribute those that don’t see CLEARLY to have been blinded or denied a revelation? All your references to the 14th can be attributed to a Passover sequence beginning on the 14th that does not deny completion on the 15th. I believe, attributing Mark 14:1, John 13:1 & 18:28 to “Rabbinic Tradition” is just a means of getting the issue dismissed in the eyes of the listener/reader. But if one uses Scripture to interpret Scripture, then one has to remove “Rabbinic Tradition” from the equation. The Sabbath is a “Rabbinic Tradition” yet we observe the Sabbath. If having the Passover meal on the 15th is a “Rabbinic Tradition”, then I suggest it began in Egypt with the Exodus. Your writings acknowledge understanding “between-the-evenings” as a key issue yet you have not responded to my references to Deu 23:11 and Jer 6:4. They undoubtedly show that an EVENING exists while the sun is above the horizon; the second evening being sunset [Mat 20:8-12]. Proof of that is also provided in the NT by Mat 14:15-23. Using Lev 23:32 to prop up your idea of “between-the evenings” is an over simplification of an issue that requires a lot more scriptural support. YHWH be with you.

I am grateful to both of you. While reading your blog comments, it is evident that the comments have been very cordial and respectful from both sides of the issue at hand. You are both setting a Christ like example for others to follow, and I applaud your efforts to reason together in peace and love. God has blessed you both with a “ready” mind to reason.

Like many others, I have also spent many years on this topic, twenty two years to be exact, and still counting. All Glory goes to God. This mystery was solved only through the Lord’s guidance through the Holy Spirit.

The Hebrew phrase, “beyn ha’arbayim”, is not “explicitly” defined by the Scriptures, but is only defined “implicitly” by the “whole of Scripture”. From the “whole of Scripture”, it can be visually shown that from the period of the Exodus of Egypt to the period shortly before the Cross, the “Spirit of the Law” was combined with the “Letter of the Law”. After the Cross, the “Spirit of the Law” was separated from the “Letter of the Law”.

The Lord’s Supper can be shown to be a Passover Sacrifice feast by the “Spirit of the Law” only, on the night of the fourteenth calendar day of the first month, on the same night that Yeshua instituted the new covenant in His Blood, on the same night that Yeshua was betrayed, and also, on the same night that Yeshua’s Holy and Precious, Body and Blood was poured out from the Cross. This is the night “much to be observed”. The True Eternal Substance, and not the shadows.

It can also be visually shown how the Pharisaic tradition of interpreting “beyn ha’arbayim”, (from noon to sunset), on the fourteenth calendar day of the first month, and the Pharisaic tradition of interpreting “on” the first day in (Exodus 12:15), as “the day preceding” the first day (removal of leaven from the houses – (Mekilta 12:15, Pisha 8:38-41), R. Ishmael, R. Jonathon, and R. Jose), both had their “birth” on the day the “Spirit of the Law” was separated from the “Letter of the Law”.

In Christ’s service,
David Behrens
Sola Gloria Dei!
Director Paschal Lamb Ministries
Bringing Christian harmony to all the world

All Biblical perspectives (Judaism, Messianic Judaism, Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant) (JACOP) have to come to the Cross of Jesus in order to see God’s Perspective, (Jesus Our Eternal Paschal Lamb of God). One perfect Sacrifice for sins forever. My Redeemer lives. Jesus is LORD!

“I do not profess to be a teacher, but I do have a responsibility to search for the truth because it is demanded by 2Thes 2:9-12. If those searching for the truth happen to ask for my understanding of scripture I do my responsible best to answer.”

To this I give a hearty “amein!” We are all called upon to answer the best we can!

You also said,

“Passover is not hard to understand but it sure is hard to be convincing to pre-set beliefs.”

When we hold anything to be true, whether true or false, we are establishing ‘pre-set’ beliefs. The goal then becomes to replace the false with the true; and the ease with which we are able to do this depends on our having the “love of the Truth” (2Thess 2:10.

Actually, the full understanding of Passover is ‘not hard’ to understand, but is ‘impossible’ to understand, without Messiah opening the eyes, for it is part of the mystery of Messiah.

Passover is a Blood Covenant issue, and a Kingdom issue, and a Bride separation issue — and thus the proper understanding must be diligently sought — and the opening of eyes required to see, must come from Messiah (Ps 119:18; Luke 8:10).

We will know when we have found the proper understanding, only when our understanding according to Torah, and our understanding according to the Testimony of Messiah, are both in agreement (Isaiah 8:20).

You stated, “I prefer to place more weight on the Torah when it comes to verifying ambiguous scriptures….”

OK, let’s look at what the Torah says.

You stated, “He also knows the Passover meal is on the 15th.” Also in the diagrams on your site, you show the eating of the Passover meal to be on the 15th, not the 14th. Let’s see what the Torah says about this:

In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD’S passover. (Leviticus 23:5)

In the fourteenth day of this month, at even, ye shall keep it in his appointed season: according to all the rites [chuqqah, or “statutes, ordinances, decrees”] of it, and according to all the ceremonies [mishpatim, or “judgments” — Father’s ‘Rules of the House”] thereof, shall ye keep it. (Numbers 9:3)

Clearly, Torah tells us that the Passover is in [“within the bounds of”] the 14th day, and that all of the statutes, ordinances, decrees, and judgments of Passover must be completed “within the bounds of” the 14th day. This tells us that all the parts of Passover — kill, sprinkle the blood, roast with fire, eat, and burn the leftovers — all are to be done within the bounds of the 14th day, not going beyond to the 15th. It is pretty clear in Torah.

We will know when we have found the proper understanding, only when our understanding according to Torah, and our understanding according to the Testimony of Messiah, are both in agreement:

To the law [Torah] and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (Isaiah 8:20)

There is no light [“truth”] in the idea that Passover is eaten at any time outside the bounds of the 14th day, for this idea violates both the Torah and the Testimony.

This notion of eating the Passover on the 15th is merely a “Rabbinic Tradition,” and is in violation of both Torah (Numbers 9:3) and the Testimony (Messiah’s living example).

But this is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so very much more to see, in the Mystery of Passover!

I would like very much to further discuss the many issues of Passover with you, but in a ‘Blog’ format, there is little opportunity to have fruitful discussions of any length.

So I would like us to continue by email. Perhaps we could both benefit by looking at the issues together, one small piece at a time, in an email format, which may be more beneficial!

A scriptural interpretation of “beyn ha’arbayim” (between sunset and end of daylight) – between the evenings of Jewish man and God, is “visually” shown in the free “Twilight Report” download at Paschal Lamb Ministries website.

Sir, you wrote:
quote …you have ignored, even contradicted the words of Messiah in Mark 14:14 and Luke 22:11 unquote.
You assign the label, “the ‘edge pieces’ of the puzzle” to those verses. Many translations of those verses assign doubt to Y’shua’s future by the use of the word ‘may’ or ‘might’, ‘ Luke 22:11…where I might eat the Passover’. Y’shua knows He is going to die Aviv 14. He also knows the Passover meal is on the 15th and that His mission will prevent Him from eating the Passover with His disciples. Nevertheless, He must prepare for the 15th Passover anyway because His disciples will need a place to celebrate the Passover whether He is there or not. The day of His death, Y’shua was not about to discuss with His disciples the details of the plan other than telling them, He will be ‘delivered up’. Y’shua could not afford to allow His disciples to upset YHWH’s plan. Y’shua planned to ask His Father to relent and change His plan if possible [Mat 26:39], hence the word ‘might’ in Luke 22:11. What you call ‘edge pieces’ have quite a malleable shape, and contribute to a shaky foundation if used as ‘edge pieces’.

Regarding NT translations, I prefer to place more weight on the Torah when it comes to verifying ambiguous scriptures because of what the Messiah said in Mat 5:18 and John 10:35
Mat 5:18 “For truly, I say to you, till the heaven and the earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall by no means pass from the Torah till all be done.
John 10:35 “If He called them elohim, to whom the word of Elohim came – and it is impossible for the Scripture to be broken –

I fully respect the NT scriptures and use them as much as possible. John 13:1, 18:28 and Mark 14:1 are valuable at showing Y’shua died before the 15th Passover meal. Mat 20:8-12 assigns one ‘evening’ to sunset. Mat 14:15-23 indicates Y’shua fed 5000 between two evenings.

You acknowledge the importance of understanding ‘between-the-evenings’ by your statement:
Quote, The phrase, ‘at evening’ is the phrase beyn ha’arbayim, literally ‘in the midst of’ or between the evenings. Many have speculated as to the meaning of this phrase, as its meaning appears to be a key that unlocks the true timing of Passover. Unquote.

Deu 23:11 indicates ‘evening’ precedes sunset. Jer 6:4 indicates an early evening has ‘lengthening shadows’, meaning the sun is visible. Between-the-evenings is undoubtedly a period of time after the ‘morning’ and before sunset as Exo 29:39 indicates.

I do not profess to be a teacher, but I do have a responsibility to search for the truth because it is demanded by 2Thes 2:9-12. If those searching for the truth happen to ask for my understanding of scripture I do my responsible best to answer. I was asked to comment on your writings; I didn’t just happen on your blog. Passover has been a lengthy study of mine. Passover is not hard to understand but it sure is hard to be convincing to pre-set beliefs. I have had to resort to charts to simplify the matter. A picture is worth a thousand words. This link has 40 slides. [Redacted] Please refer to the slide number you disagree with if you find it in error. I will correct a convincing error. YHWH be with you.

Thank you Willseeyah, for your comments. It is important that we consider carefully each comment or question, to discern the mind of the Master on each issue, and to be in agreement with the written Scriptures. When our own opinions are offered rather than Scripture, we can easily fall into error.

You mentioned that the ‘between the evenings’ vision does not “seem to match the scriptures nor does it match the teaching of Eliyah.com, a site you recommend.”

First, it should be our goal to follow what the Scriptures say, rather than what men say. I do recommend wholeheartedly, most of what Eliyah has on his site, with only a few exceptions that contradict the Scriptures. Tom is indeed a humble and sincere man, and Father is indeed leading him along. We should understand however, that though we are all on the same path, we are not all on the same stepping-stone.

The ‘between the evenings’ vision you questioned is like one of many ‘puzzle-pieces’ needed to complete the picture, but it is perhaps the last piece to be put in place, not the first to address, in understanding the mystery of Passover. When building a picture puzzle, we begin with what is known, and easily seen — the ‘edge’ pieces. We finish up with the difficult and obscure pieces, the center or ‘middle’ pieces.

The clear statements of Messiah are like the edge pieces of the puzzle. They are clear, and if we would not ‘disbelieve’ them, they will help us complete the picture. The ‘center’ pieces include the more obscure issues, such as ‘between the evenings’ and the tradition of calling the 7-day Feast of Unleavened Bread by the name of ‘Passover.’ These are obscure issues, and are the last pieces to put in place, not the first. They are last, because they become the only remaining issues that allow all the others to be true. And so it is, when we ignore the clear statements of Messiah, we are building a faulty picture from the start.

Our understanding and explanation of Scripture is also like building a house. The foundation is the understanding and doing of Messiah’s words. The foundation must come first, before we start to build. We may build an elaborate explanation of a doctrine, like a large house with nice walls and a fine red roof. But if our foundation is faulty — because we ignore or contradict the words of Messiah — the house may be pretty, but is of no value.

I looked at your “link for a more detailed explanation,” and found too many contradictions of Messiah’s words. As a building inspector, we must look beneath the veneer of the glitz and colour of the charts and diagrams, to see what is actually being said. Your explanation does include some good items, and you have done a good job on building some of the parts, and you have lots of colourful charts.

But it appears your foundation is faulty, for you have ignored, even contradicted the words of Messiah in Mark 14:14 and Luke 22:11. If we contradict Messiah’s words, it is like placing the ‘edge pieces’ of the puzzle in the wrong place, and we will be unable to complete the overall picture. If we discuss the ‘between the evenings’ issue, we are addressing one of the more obscure ‘middle’ pieces of the puzzle, which can not be properly discerned until the edge pieces are in their proper place.

Yes, it is easy for many to overlook some of the Master’s words, and to write what other men have said. But I hope you will take this opportunity to pull your article, so as to minimise the number of Believers that could be led astray with your explanation. It would be well for you to teach only what Messiah has taught you, and not what others have said — and at the same time, to sit and learn at the Master’s feet. If the Master is grooming you in the service of a prophet or teacher, you must be careful not to teach beyond what Messiah has given you personally, through visions and revelations, but most important — you must be careful to remain in agreement with all of Scripture.

Your 24 hour concept of ‘between-the-evenings’ doesn’t seem to match the scriptures nor does it match the teaching of Eliyah.com; a site you recommend. Granted, it is difficult to match the crucifixion Passover scriptures with the Passover scriptures of the Torah, but it can be shown that ‘between-the-evenings’ is a window of time before sunset. Mat 20:8-12 and John 11:9 confirm sunset is 1 of 2 evenings. The death of the Messiah at the 9th hour is called an ‘evening’ in Mat 27:46 & 57 which took place before Yoseph went to Pilate to obtain the body of the Messiah that had to be buried before the sunset ‘evening’. In Mat 14:15-23 5000 people were fed between 2 evenings. Your teaching that evening follows sunset does not match Deu 23:11. I offer this link for a more detailed explanation [redacted].

Yes, you may reproduce all the articles on the Blog site and website, and translate into other languages. We have received requests for translations, and we say to all who ask, that you are welcome to do so, and to use these for Father’s glory.

Brother Bill,
I was wondering if you would be interested in cloning your websites in another language. I’m an American living in Indonesia, and there are lots of foolish virgins in this country. I can only pray that YHVH does lots of winking on their behalf

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